Walking out of the kitchen, Massacre and Dylan right behind me, I headed into the common room to find all Golden Skulls members either standing around or sitting, saying nothing. Gio was standing near the corner, his arms wrapped around Layla. Even the prospects, Billy and Jake, were present.
The only one missing was Ghost.
I knew he wouldn’t be here.
We already talked.
He made his decision.
I didn’t blame him.
Clearing my throat, I began. “I called this meeting because tomorrow will be a big day. Not because I’m marrying my ol’ lady, but because tomorrow the Society will strike. It’s going to be a blood bath. I don’t expect all of you to survive the onslaught. Because of that, I am giving you all a choice. Stay and fight with me or leave. I won’ hold it against any brother who chooses to leave. This choice can’t be mine. I can’t make you stay and fight. Knowing what tomorrow will bring, I wanted all of you to know the score.”
“You’re fucking crazy if you think I’d leave you holding the bag,” Chaos growled. “I ain’t going anywhere.”
Looking at him, I replied. “You have your sisters to think about Chaos. If you die tomorrow, what will happen to them? They need you.”
“They know what to do if that happens. Angelina knows where to go. I’m staying. I’m no pussy who just cuts and runs at the first sign of trouble. I’m with you.”
“I’m also staying,” Massacre added. “Whether you live or die, tomorrow will be my last fight. Afterward, I am leaving with Giovanni. I’m going home.”
Gio’s head snapped to Massacre. “Are you sure? I know you love this club.”
“I love my family more. Reggie would want me to go home. Someone has to keep your ass in check. Might as well be me.”
“This club is my family,” Bayou muttered. “Like most of the boys here, this club is all we have. I’m staying Reaper. Live or die, I will be with you.”
Several other brothers nodded, agreeing with Bayou’s sentiment, even Shadow, who surprised me. I would have thought he would leave with his brother. Looking at all the faces before me, my gaze landed on one.
One who hadn’t said a word.
One who was in more danger than me. “Phantom?”
“I’m staying.”
“Are you sure?”
“Are you deaf? Do I need to write it in braille? I said I’m staying.”
“Okay,” I said, taking a deep breath.
Fuck, that woman was infuriating. I actually pitied the fucker who succumbed to her wrath.
Moving on, I stated, “Everything we’ve been working towards will come to a head tomorrow when that fucker shows up. One of two things will happen. Either he will kill me or I will kill him. He won’t come alone either. Expect a shitstorm. Goldman will be heavily armed, so I want every one of you packing.”
“When do you think he will attack?” Jake asked. Looking at the young prospect. Just a kid really who should be anywhere else than sitting in my club, I said, “After the vows. Fucker will let the wedding take place then he will make his move. He’s a sadistic bastard and he will try for Remi first.”
“If he kills her, will you be able to do what needs to be done?” Layla asked frankly. I knew what she was asking. What she was insinuating.
Shaking my head, I gave the only answer I could. “If that mother fucker kills Remi, I will lose my shit. You’ve all seen me unhinged. That will look like child’s play compared to what will happen. None of you will be safe around me. Nothing and no one, will be able to stop me until I’m bathing in his blood. I’ve taken preventative measures to ensure that nothing happens to her.”
“Such as?” Gio asked.
“Remi will be wearing a bulletproof vest under her wedding dress tomorrow. After the vows, we are leaving. There will be no reception. This wedding is just for show.”
“So as soon as you both say I do, we what? Scatter?” Vicious asked, looking at the brothers, shock evident on his face. On all their faces. It wasn’t the Golden Skull way, that was for sure, but it was the only way I knew I could ensure that some of them lived. I knew they would hate it, but I didn’t see any other way.
“Yes.”